Method and apparatus for pumping corrosive mediums



March 28, 1950 H. S. BROWN ET AL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PUMPING CORROSIVE MEDIUMS 3 Sheets-Sheet l Filed July 4,5 1944 March 28, E950 H. s. BROWN ET AL 2,502,074

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PUMPING CORROSIVE MEDIUMS Filed July 4 1944 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TORS Harrison S. Brown Wam March 28, i950 H, s, BROWN ET AL 2,502,074

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PUMPING CORROSIVE MEDIUMS Filed July 4, 1944 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS I Hrrxon Brown Henry ff. Hulle Y Patented Mar. 28, 1950 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PUIKPIN CORROSIVE MEDIUMS Harrison S. Brown and Henry H. Hubble, Oak Ridge, Tenn., assignors to the United States of America as represented by the United States Atomic Energy Commission Application July 4, 1944, Serial No. 543,480

18 Claims. (Cl. 230-85) 'I'his invention relates to a method and apparaltus for the compression or pumping of corrosive mediums. More lparticularly, this invention relates to a liquid piston type of device forpumping and compressing uorine.

As is well known, iluorine is a very reactive and corrosive medium and hence, presents diniculties of transfer and handling. Fluorlne rapidly attacks metals and other materials, and therefore, the use of conventional pumps or compressors is not feasible. Furthermore, because of the reactive nature of iluorine, in the event of contact thereof with lubricating oils such as employed in conventional pumps; there is the r probability that the fluorine may react with the oil with extreme violence and heat evolution thereby presenting the problem of flre hazard.

We have discovered a new type of device that may be used for pumping or compressing iluorne gas, or other corrosive mediums, which device overcomes diillculties that have been encountered in prior apparatus and processes heretofore employed in the art.

This invention has for one object to provide an improved method `and apparatus for use in the pumping, compressing or transfer of corrosive mediums. 'v

Another object is to provide a device of the class described that is particularly adapted to the pumping or compressing of corrosive gases.

Still another object is to provide a device as aforementioned that is at least partially automatic in operation.

Still another object is to provide a pump or compressing device that is particularly adapted to pumping, compressing, or transfering of iiuorine gas or other volatile ourine containing material, or comparable materials.

Still a further object is to provide a device that includes a liquid piston type of construction for obtaining pumping action, as contrasted with the usual mechanical type` of pump.

Still another object is to provide a pumping or compressing device that may be used for transferring corrosive gases or vapors from a larger storage reservoir' to smaller portable cylinders.

Another object is to provide a device of the aforementioned type wherein the various parts and constructions are relatively simple and are adapted to withstand the attack of mediums, exemplied by fluorine gas.

Still another obiect is to provide a liquid piston type of pump adapted to automatic operation rine gas.

example, an air compressor (not shown).

2 Still another object is to provide an improved method for pumping and compressing corrosive mediums.

Another object is to provide a method that is particularly applicable to the pumping `and compressing of iluorine gas.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference is made to the attached drawings forming a part of the present application.

Fig.- 1 is a semi-diagrammatic side-elevation view of the device. In this figure certain parts are shown in section and some parts are shown in exaggerated scale for clarity.

Fig. 2 is a wiring diagram illustrating one arrangement of electrical connections that may be employed for the operation of the automatic valves.

Figs. 3 and 4 are diagrammatic side-elevation views, similar to Fig. 1, showing modified arrangements of our device.

Referring now particularly to Fig. 1, reference numeral 2 represents a conduit connecting an air pressure tank 3 to a source of air pressure, for As will be described in this species of construction, air pressure may be employed for the motivating medium for our/liquid piston type of pump. The air tank 3 is connected by conduit 4to a chamber 6 of the pumping device. Interposed in the conduit 4 is an automatic valve l. This valve is similar to several other valves employed in the devices oi' this invention and will be described in detail hereinafter.

Referring to chamber 6, namely the pumping chamber into which air pressure is admitted, this chamber may be of cylindrical construction more or less similar to an ordinary gas or liquid container. The shape may also be spherical or otherwise, as preferred, and in the apparatus illustrated is provided with a bottom 8, side walls 9, and a top or header portion II.

To facilitate the introduction of electrodes and various inlet and exhaust conduits, the header portion II may be of smaller diameter than the main chamber 6.

Positioned in the top of the header I I is a member I2 of electrically non-conducting material in which is mounted a pair of electrodes I3 and I4 that extend vertically downward through the header II and into the upper portion of the chamber Ii a predetermined distance to a point I6 at which it is desired to limit the upper level of the liquid in the chamber 6. It will be obvious, of course. that .the electrodes I3 and I 4 need not The chamber 6 preferably is constructed of metal or other material that is resistant to the particular medium to be contained therein. In the construction shown, since the chamber is to contain air and a uoride pumping fluid that is relatively less corrosive than the fluorine gas to be pumped, the chamber 6 may be constructed of a variety of materials such as, for example,

stainless steel, copper. or the more resistant metals such as inhibited steel, nickel, Monel metal, and the like. The electrode support member I2 may be composed of conventional dielectric materials, and preferably materials that are resistant to fluorine are employed.

The bottom of the chamber 6 is connected by means of a U-shaped conduitr 2| to the bottom 23 of another chamber 22 of similar construction having, in addition to bottom 23, side walls 24, and a top or header portion 26. This header portion 26 has fitted therein an insulator 21 through which is inserted a pair of electrodes 26 and 23. As indicated, these electrodes protrude into the interior of the chamber 22 to a predetermined point 30 at which it is desired to limit the upper liquid level therein. Likewise, connected into the header portion 26 is a conduit 3| that leads from a source of fiuorine (not shown), such as a iluorine generator, storage tank, or the like. There is also connected to the header 26 an exhaust conduit 33 that leads from the chamber 22 to a cylinder 36 or other container into which it is desired to transfer or compress the medium being pumped. The conduits 3| and 33 preferably are each provided with an automatic valve 32 and 34, respectively, of the type previously mentioned herein.

The cylinder 36, shown in Fig. l, maybe a conventional gas cylinder having the usual equipment such as manually operated valves at 31 and 36 and coupling means at 33. The latter may comprise lock nuts and associated fittings so that a gas-tight connection may be provided between the outlet conduit 33 and container 36 to be filled with the compressed gas. The valves 31 and 36 may be employed for venting air and for closing the cylinder 36 after it has been filled s o that it may then be uncoupled and removed.

As previously stated, the two chambers 6 and 22 are connected by means of the U-shaped conduit 2l and are adapted to contain a suitable liquid that is of a character not materially affected by the gas to be pumped. In the case of a corrosive medium suchv as uorine gas, the liquid aforementioned may comprise liquid hydrogen fluoride having potassium fluoride dissolved therein to lower the vapor pressure. The liquid shoud also be an electrolyte so that when it contacts the pairs of electrodes I3, I4 and 26, 23 electric circuits will be completed therethrough.

Since chamber 22 will contain a corrosive medium. such as fluorine gas, during the pumping operation, it should be constructed of a material that is resistant to such corrosive media, and as previously described, Monel metal, in-

hibited steel, nickel, and other special construc tion materials may be employed. Thus, a metal surface may be given a preliminary treatment with tluorine, assuming ilurine is the medium to be pumped, to form thereon a skin or lm of fluoride that is substantially resistant to the action of this gas. Also the choice of the material of insulator 21, and related parts of the chamber 22 should be made with due care to ibtain a gas-tight, fluorine-resistant construc- The valves 1, I9, 32, and 34 previously referred to herein are preferably automatically f-unctioning valves of the solenoid type. If desired, the valve 34 may be an ordinary check valve since its function primarily is to prevent back flow from the cylinder 36 into chamber 22. In general, when a check valve is employed, it may be desirable to incline the conduit 33 upwardly from chamber 22 toward cylinder 36 to thereby minimize pumping fluid being carried into conduit 33. Likewise the other conduits 4, I8, and 3| may be inclined, if desired, to prevent kickback of pumping liquid. The construction and actuation of the various valves and the functioning of the apparatus will be further apparent from a description of Fig. 2.

Referring now to Fig. 2 of the drawings, the apparatus previously described is shown diagrammatically in conjunction with a. suitable electrical circuit for controlling the several valves 1, I3, 32 and 34 to effect operation of the pump in the desired manner, it being kept in mind that the particular arrangement 'described is merely representative of one circuit that has been employed for causing the solenoid operated valves to operate in the sequence and for the periods described. Other types of circuits, for example, an electronic circuit may be used for accomplishing the desired valve operation. It will also be noted that signal lights and the like may be included in the various circuits.

In respect to the apparatus shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings, it is to be noted that, in lieu of pairs of electrodes I3, I4 and 28, 29. previously described with reference to Fig. 1, there are employed only single electrode elements I3 and 26. respectively, and that the chamber casings 6 and 22 are themselves utilized as the other electrodes.l Considering now the electrical circuit, a suitable current. for example, volts alternating current, is supplied at 44 to the conductors 5I and 62, and, assuming that relays B and C are energized, and relay A deenergized. circuits will be complete through contacts 65-X and 66-Y, respectively, causing current to flow from conductor 62, through conductor 60, solenoids D and F, conductors 64 and 68 and conductor 5I. Solenoids D and F are thus energized with the result that valves 32 and I9 are open. In addition, contacts 66-Z are open and hence no current is flowing through conductors 65 and 61 and solenolds E and Gfwith the result that the latter are deenergized and the valves 34 and 'l closed.

With the valves l, I9, 32 and 34 positioned as aforesaid, gas enters the chamber 22 through conduit 3| and forces the liquid 4I from the chamber through conduit 2| and into the chamber 6 s'o that the level of the liquid 42 therein rises to displace air therefrom through conduit I6 to the atmosphere. The apparatus remains in this condition, and the liquid continues to rise in the chamber 6, until the liquid comes into contact with the electrode I3, thereby completing and I9, and closing ofthe contacts 'd66-Z operates to complete Ia circuitthrough conductors 62, 65 and 6|, solenoids'E and G and conductors 68 and 6I thereby energizing said solenoids E and G to open the valves 34 and 1.

"In this condition of the valves, the influx of Sas through conduit 3| to chamber 22 has ceased andthe air exhaust conduit I8 from chamber 6v is closed. Valve 1 having opened, airunder pressure is admitted to chamber I6 through conduit 4, and as soon as the pressure in chamber 6 exceeds the backpressure afforded by the gas admitted to chamber 22, the air forces the liquid from` chamber 6 through conduit 2| and into chamber 22 thereby forcing the gas from the latter through conduit 33 and into the container 36`.- As the liquid level in chamber 6 recedes below th'efelectrode I3, the` circuit through conductor59 and relay A is opened thereby deenergizing the latter. Deenergization'of relay A, however, does not affect the contacts 65-X that remainopen, and air continues to enter chamber 6 forcing liquid therefrom into chamber 22 to pump the gas therefrom until the level of the vliquid in chamber `22` rises suflciently to contact the electrode` 28 and 'complete aclrcuit through conductors 52, 53, 56, `relay B, and vconductor thereby energizing relay B and causingswitch 64 to close contacts- 65-X withthe result that relay C is energized `causing' contacts SG-Z to open and contacts 66-'Y to close. Opening of contacts 66--Z breaks the circuit containing the solenoids E and G thereby deenergizing them and closing the valves 34 and 4 to shut off the air supply to chamber 6 and the gas outlet from chamber 22 to tank'36.

Simultaneously, closing of the contact. B16- Y again completes the circuit containing solenoids Dand E thereby energizing .them and opening valves 32 and I9 to admit gas through conduit 3| to chamber 22 and to exhaust air from chamber 6 through conduit I0, respectively, to initiate another cycle of operation of the pump.

While the4 device and` method have been def scribed in connection with the illling of a container, it may be used for other purposes.` For example, it. mayv be employed for pumping or transferring fluorin'e or 'other gas to a reaction. In .this instance, the outlet conduit 33 may be connected, for example, to a` catalyst chamber or these gases or vapors may be employed. As described, the fluids should be electrolytes to permitthe passage of electrical current uponV contact with the electrodes. Of course, electrolytic pumping liquids other than that named may be used. For example, various molten fluorides obtained in the liquid state at reasonable temperature ranges are satisfactory. A compound such as osmium fluoride may be used. In general, it is preferred that the pumping liquid be saturated with fluoride to preventl reaction of the fluorine being pumped with the pumping uid. `While two chambers have been disclosed, several stages of pumping chambers may be employed. 'I'hat is. one `stage of pumping may be employed for preliminary compressing and a second stage, operating from a higher air pressure or mechanical source, m-ay be employed for further compression. Other arrangements and vchanges may be arrived at using the principles of our invention.

In order to better illustrate certain" modifications that may be incorporated'in the device, reference is made to Fig. 3. In Fig. 3,'an arrangement is shown wherein a mechanical pump ris incorporated to supplement or replace air pressure as the motivating medium to effect a double pumping operation. In this construction, the mechanical pump does not come in contact with the nuorine gas being pumped, and hence the aforementioned problemsrelative to corrosion of an ordinary mechanical pump, are avoided.

The modification shown in Fig. 3, comprises a pumping chamber |06 and a fiuorine compressing chamber |22. These chambers are connected by a U-shaped -conduit |2I. Chamber |06 is provided with an inlet conduit |04 and an exhaust conduit ||8 each of which is provided with an automatic valve' |01 and ||9, respectively. Electrodes are provided as indicated at ||3 and ||4. Inasmuch as all of these various parts correspond to similar parts previously described with 'reference to Fig. 1, further description appears unnecessary. In order to double-pump fluorine gas, the conduit |04 may serve as aninlet for fluorine, and conduit II'8 may serve as the'iluorine outlet.

Similarly with respect to chamber |22 a fluorine inlet conduit |3| is provided together with an outlet |33 for connection to the cylinder to be lled. Suitable valves are provided in the inlet 3| and outlet |33 as indicated at |32 and |34, respectively, and electrodes |28 and |29 are associate with the chamber |22 as shown.

Referring now to the U-shaped conduit |2I, there is interposed therein a mechanical pump |36 of conventional construction. A plurality of byy-pass lines |31 and |38 are connected to-the conduit |2| at opposite sides of the pump |36 to permit the use of a unidirectional pump, change of fiowbeing obtained by selectively opening and closing valves |39, |4`I, |42 and |43 in the by-pass lines. .l These valves'may be' interconnected in a circuit' with the valves |01, ||9, |32, and |34 already referred to.

The operation of this modified form of apparatus is substantially similar to that already described. However, in this construction, the pump |36 causes the pumping liquid to flow through the U-shaped conduit |2| in alternate directions from one chamber to the other to produce the alternate compression and pumping cycles, the by-pass lines |31 and |38 and the interconnected automatic valves therein enabling the ow of pumping liquid to be periodicallyreversed while obtaining the positive pumping action of the mechanical pump |36.

For example, assuming that the pump |36 pumps toward the chamber |06, with valves |4| and |42 open and the valves |39 and |43 closed, pumping liquid is forced into chamber |06 thus compressing any gas therein and forcing it out through conduit ||8. When the pumping liquid rises in |06 sufliciently to make electrical contact with electrodes ||3 and II4, thereby changasoaovs the cycle repeated.

` Another modication or species of construction embodying the invention is shown in Fig, 4. In this construction, an arrangement is described whereby greater compactness may be obtained. Referring to Fig. 4, a plurality of chambers of the type already described are provided at |59 and |51. Each of these chambers is equipped with valved inlet and outlet conduits as indicated at |58, |59, |6I, and |62, respectively. "Likewise these chambers are each provided with a pair oi suitable electrodes, |64, |61 and |62, |66, respectively. One of these chambers may function as a .pumping chamber and the other as aA iluorine compressing chamber. Inasmuch as the foregoing parts are substantially similar to those a1- ready described in connection with other embodiments, further description is deemed unnecessary. In the construction shown the two chambers |56 and |51 are connected together at |88 so that the pumping liquidmay pass from one chamber to the other during the pumping cycle. The introduction of air pressure into one oi the chambers. as in the operation` of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1, is employed as the motivating force for the transfer of the pumping liquid.

Also inter-connecting the chambers |56 and |91 are conduits |69 and |10 that lead through a reservoir means |1|. A suitable pump |12 is 8 site directions andalternately increase and decrease the volume of said liquid in said chambers. and means responsive to a predetermined liquid volume in said chambers to eiiect operation of said liquid actuating means and said valves in predetermined timed relation with respect to one another so that gas is admitted to and discharged from said one chamber by actuation of `said liquid in alternate directions.

2,'A gas pump comprising a pair of interconnected chambers dening a working space. a nowable electrolyte as a pumping liquid partially illling said working space, gas .intake and discharge interposed in the conduit |10. However, this l pump |12 is not relied upon as the motivating force. In this construction by selectively openying the various valves in the several conduits as previously described, pumping liquid may be withdrawn from the chambers from time to time to the reservoir |1| where its composition may be supplemented or altered by the addition of suitable pumping liquid, and the resultant pumping fluid returned to the chambers. A conduit |13 is provided for removing a sample of the pumping liquid so that it may be analyzed and the amount and composition of the liquid to be added determined. Such a construction may be advantageously employed in installations where, during extended periods of continuous operation, components of the pumping liquid may become depleted or broken down thereby necessitating supplement or alteration of the'composition of the pumping uid during operation. In the event of the use of certain compositions, it may be desirable to heat the reservoir |1| and other parts of the apparatus to keep the pumping liquid in a iluid condition.

It is to be understood that all matters contained in the above description and examples are illustrative only and do not limit the scope of this invention, as it is intended to claim the invention as broadly as possible in view of the prior art.

We claim:

l. A gas pump comprising a pair of interconnected chambers defining a working space, a pumping liquid partially lling said working space, gas intake and discharge valves associated with one of said chambers, means operable to selectively open and close said valves, means associated with the other of said chambers operable to eiect actuation of said pumping liquid in oppovalves associated with one of said chambers, means operable to selectively open and close said valves. means associated with the other of said vchambers operable to effect actuation or said pumping liquid in opposite directions and alternately increase and decrease the volume of said liquid in said chambers,'and means responsive 'to a predetermined liquid volume in said chambers to eiect operation of said liquid actuating means and said valves -in predetermined timed relation with respect to one another so that gas is admitted to and discharged from said one chamber by actuation of said liquid in alternate directions.

3. A gas pump particularly suitable for pumping uorine comprising a pair of interconnected chambers defining a working space. a pumping liquid which is substantially non-,reactive to fluorine partially illiing said working space, gas intake and discharge valves associated with one of said chambers, means operable to selectively open and close said valves, means associated with the other of ysaid chambers operable to effect actuation of said pumping liquid in opposite directlons and alternately increase and decrease the volume of said liquid in said chambers, and means responsive toa predetermined liquid volume in said chambers to effect operation of said liquid actuating means and said valves in predetermined timed relation with respect to one another so that gas is admitted to and discharged from saidone chamber by actuation of said liquid in alternate directions. i

4. A gas pumpparticularly suitable for pumping corrosive mediums comprising a pair of interconnected chambers dening a working space, an electrolyte pumping liquid partially filling said working space, gas intake and discharge valves associated with one of said chambers, means operable to selectively open and close said valves, means associated with the other of said chambers operable to effect actuation of said pumping liquid in opposite directions and alternately increase and decrease the volume of said liquid in said chambers, and electrical contact means responsive to a predetermined liquid volume in said chambers to effect operation of said liquid actuating means-and said valves in predetermined timed relation with respect to one another so that gas is admitted to and discharged irom said one chamber by actuation of said liquid in alternate directions.

5. A gas pump comprising a pair of interconnected chambers defining a working space, a owable iiuoride material as a pumping liquid partially lling said working space, gas intake and discharge valves associated with one of said chambers, means operable to selectively open and close said valves.. means associated with the other of said chambers operable to effect actuameans responsive to a predetermined liquid volume irl` said chambers to effect operation of said liquid actuating means and said valves in predetermined timed relation with respect to one another so that gas is admitted to and discharged from said one chamber by actuation of said liquid in alternate directions.

6. A gaspump comprising a pair of intercon, nected chambers defining a working space, a pumping .liquid partially filling said working space, normally lclosed intake and discharge valves associated. with one of said chambers,

. means associated with the other of said'chambers operable to displace the pumping liquid therefrom in to said one chamber, means energized `in response .to a predetermined pumping liquid level in said other chamber operable vto open said discharge' valve and actuate said`-pum`p ing liquid displacement means to cause displacement of said pumping liquid from said other chamber to said chamber, means energized in response to a predetermined pumping'liquid level in said one chamber operable vto open said intake valve and deactivate said pumping' liquiddisplacement means tov effect reverse ilow. of said pumping liquid from' said one chamber to said other chamber, and interlock means operable to effect deenergization of one of said pumping liquid level responsive means upon energization of the other. y

7. AV gas pump comprising a pair of'intercon nected chambers defining a working space, a

iiowable electrolyte as a pumping liquid partially filling said working space, normally closed intake and discharge valves associated with one of said chambers, means associated with the other of said chambers operable to displace the pumping liquid therefrom 'into said one chamber, means energized in response to a predetermined pumping liquid level in said other chamber operable to open said discharge valve and actuate said pumping liquid displacement means to cause displacement of said pumping liquid from said other chamber to said chamber, means energized in response toa predetermined pumping liquid level in said one chamber operable to open said intake valve and deactivate said pumping liquid displacement means to effect reverse iiow of said pumping liquid from said one chamber to said other chamber, and interlock means operable to enect deenergization of one of said pumping liquid level responsive means upon energization of the other.

8. A gas pump particularly suitable for pumping fiuorine comprising a Ipair of interconnected chambers defining a working space, a pumping liquid which is substantially non-reactive to iluorine partially illling said working space, normally closed intake and discharge valves associated with one of said chambers, means associated with the other of said chambers operable to displace 'the pumping liquid therefrom into said one chamber, means energized in response to a predetermined pumping liquid level in said other chamber operable to open said discharge valve and actuate said pumping liquid displacetion of one of said pumping liquid level responsive means upon energization of the other.

9. A gas pump `comprising a pair of interconnectedv chambers defining a working space, a flowable uoride material as a pumping liquid partiallylling said working space. normallyl closed intake and discharge valves associated with one of said chambers, means associated with the other of saidchambers operable to displace the pumping liquid therefrom into said one chamber, means energized in response to a predetermined pumping liquid level in said other chamber op erable to open said discharge valve and actuate said pumping liquid displacement means to cause displacement of said pumping liquid from said other chamber to said chamber, means energized in response to a predetermined pumping liquid level in said one chamber operable to open said intake valve and deactivate said pumping liquid displacement means to effect reverse flow of said -pumping liquid from said one ichamber to said chambers operable to displace ,the pumping vliquid therefrom into said one chamber, means energized in response to a predetermined pumping liquid level in said `other chamber operable to open said discharge 'valve and actuate said pumping liquid displacement means to cause displacement of said pumping liquid from said other chamber to said chamber, means energized in response to a predetermined pumping liquid level in said one chamber operable to open said intake valve and deactivate said pumping liquid displacement means to eiiect reverse flow of said pumping liquid from said one chamber to said other chamber, and interlock means operable to effect deenergization of one of said pumping liquid level responsive means upon energization of the other.

11. A gas pump comprising a pair of interconnected chambers deiining a working space, a pumping liquid partially lling said working space, av source of process gas connected to one of said chambers, an actuating gas source for said pumping liquid connected to the other of said chambers, normally closed intake and discharge valves to control the flow of said process gas to and from said one chamber, normally closed inlet and exhaust valves to control the flow of said actuating gas to and from said other chamber, energizable means associated with each of said valves operable to open the same, an electric circuit including said energizable means, means opera-ble in response to a predetermined pumping liquid level in said other chamber to energize a portion of said electric circuit and open said actuating gas inlet valve and said process gas discharge valve, means operable in response to a predetermined pumping liquid level in said one chamber to energize another portion of said electric circuit and open said process gas intake valve and said actuating gas exhaust valve, and means in said electric circuit operable upon energization of either of said portions of said circuit to deenergize the other portion thereof.

l2. A gas pump particularly suitable forpumping corrosive gas comprising a pair of intercou- '1l nected chambers defining a working space, a ilowable electrolyte as a pumping liquid partially iilling said working space, a source of corrosive gas connected to one of said chambers, an actuating gas source for said pumping liquid connected to the other of said chambers, normally closed intake and discharge valves to control the flow of said corrosive gas to and from said one chamber, normally closed inlet and exhaust valves to control the ilow of said actuating gas to and from said other chamber, energizable means associated with each of said valves operable to open the same, an electric circuit including said energizable means, means operable in response to a predetermined pumping liquid level in said other chamber to energize a portion of said electric circuit and open said actuating gas inlet valve and pumping liquid partially iiiling said working space, gas intake and discharge valves associated with one of said chambers, means operable'to selectively open and close said valves, a mechani.

cal pumping means associated therewith operable to effect actuation of said pumping liquid in opposite directions and alternately increase and de- Y crease the volume of said liquid in said chambers, and means responsive to a predetermined liquid volume in said chambers to eiect operation of said liquid actuating means and said valves in predetermined. timed relation with respect to one another so that g'as is admitted to and discharged from said one chamber by actuation of said liquid,

in alternate directions.

14. A gas pump comprising a pair of interconnected-chambers defining a working space, a pump and by-pass conduits associated with said working space, a pumping liquid partially lling said working space, gas intake and discharge valves associated with one of said chambers, means oper- `able to selectively open vandclose said valves,

means associated with the other of said chambers operable to effect actuation of said pumping liquid in opposite directions and alternatively increase and decrease the volume of said liquid in said chambers, and means responsive to a predetermined liquid volume in said chambers to eilect operation of said liquid actuating means and said valves in predetermined timed relation with respect to one another so that gas is admitted to and discharged from said one chamber by actua- JW tion of said liquid in alternate directions.

15. A gas pump comprising a pair of interconnected chambers defining a working space, said chambers being positioned in close proximity with one another, a pumping liquid partially lling said working space, gas intake and discharge l2 valves associated with one of said chambers. means operable to selectively open and close said valves. means associated with the other oi' said chambers operable to effect actuation of said pumping liquid in opposite directions and alternately increase and decrease the volume of said liquid in said chambers, and means responsive to a predetermined .liquid volume in said chambers to eiiect operation of said liquid actuating means and said valves in predetermined timed relation with respect to one another so that gas is admitted to and discharged from said one chamber by actuation of said liquid in alternate direcions.

16. A gas pump comprising a pair of interconnected chambers deilning a working space, said chambers being voi' cylindrical shape and having bottom, sidewall and top members, said top member being or constricted diameter as respects the remainder of the chamber construction, a pumping liquid partially illling said working space, gas intake and discharge valves associated with one of said chambers, means operable to selectively open and close said valves, means associated with the other of said chambers operable to eil'ect actuation of said pumping liquid in opposite directions and alternately increase and decrease the volume of said liquid in said chambers, and means responsive to a predetermined liquid volume in said chambers to eiect operation of said liquid actuating means and said valves in predetermined timed relation with respect to one another so that gas is admitted to and discharged from said one chamber by actuation of said liquid in alternate directions. I

17. In a process oi' compressing fluorine the step HARRISON S. BROWN. HENRY H. HUBBLE.

REFERENCES CITED y The following references are of record in the ille of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 947,533 Rodhe Jan. 25, 1910 1,313,160 Bianchini Aug. 12, 1919 1,492,391 McQuaid et al. Apr. 29, 1924 1,766,998 Jacocks June 24, 1930 1,792,449 Spencer ---i Feb. 10, 193i 2,258,415 Lago 1 Oct. 7, 1941 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 670,428 France 1929 ,15 lll Certificate of Correction Patent No. 2,502,074 March 2s, 195o HARRISON S. BROWN ET AL.

v It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above l numbered patent requiring correction as follows:

Column 6, 1ine2, -for the Word fiuoride readjluorine;

and that the said Letters Patent should be read Withthis correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the cese inthe Patent Oiiloe.` Signed and sealed this 22nd day of August. A. D. 1950.

THOMAS F. MURPHY,

Assistant Uommz'ssz'oner of Patents. 

